Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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745. To ask the Minister for Social Protection when extra supports will be made available to the self-employed; if the self-employed will become eligible for the illness benefit in addition to the invalidity pension; the short-term benefits available to self-employed people who become ill and are unable to work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32445/17]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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Self-employed workers will be eligible to apply for invalidity pension from December 2017. This is a major reform as self-employed people could have access to income support without having to go through a means test, if they become permanently incapable of work as a result of an illness or disability.

Since March 2017, self-employed people have access to the treatment benefit scheme which includes free eye and dental exams, and contributions towards the cost of hearing aids. This measure benefits over 300,000 self-employed workers and their dependants. From October 2017, treatment benefit entitlements will also be extended so as to provide further dental and optical benefits for both the self-employed and employees.

As part of an examination of a further extension of illness benefits to self-employed people, I will take account of the recently published results of survey of self-employed workers, which indicated that self-employed people are open to paying a higher rate of social insurance in return for additional benefits, and of the forthcoming actuarial review of the social insurance fund, which will include an examination of the cost of extending specific benefits to the self-employed. Together these two reports will inform the development of benefits for self-employed people.

I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputy.